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SINGAPORE \u2013 A total of 167 suspected scammers and money mules are being investigated by the police for ruses in which victims collectively lost more than $6.2 million.<\/p>\n
This follows an operation from Feb 13 to 25 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions. <\/p>\n
In a statement on Feb 26, the police said the 167 people are believed to be involved in more than 400 scam cases, including e-commerce, job, investment and rental scams.<\/p>\n
The people \u2013 comprising 119 men and 48 women, aged between 16 and 73 \u2013 are assisting with investigations for cheating, money laundering or providing unlicensed payment services.<\/p>\n
Scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face <\/p>\n mandatory caning of six to 24 strokes<\/p>\n <\/a> if convicted, while those who launder scam proceeds and provide SIM cards or Singpass credentials may face up to 12 strokes of the cane.<\/p>\n Those involved in money mule-related offences may face restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions to prevent further facilitation of scams.<\/p>\n For more information on scams, visit <\/p>\n www.scamshield.gov.sg<\/p>\n <\/a> or call the ScamShield helpline on 1799.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n